As of this writing, I have tasted none of these wines. Several points. First of all, for various reasons the kosher Bordeaux wines of 2001 and 2003 have proved to be "slow movers" for most importers and are still on the shelves. Because of that, and because the kosher editions of wines are made to order, several of the chateaux did not do kosher releases in 2004, 2005 and 2006. You indicated in your email to me that you had found many of the wines on this list on-line but I cannot help but wonder if there may be an error in some of those.

I have sent off emails to the various chateaux and to their importer/distributors in the USA concerning each of these wines. When I have definitive information, I shall post again. Also, when known which of these have actually been released, I shall seek out bottles of the kosher editions.

Thank you Rogov !i'll look fwd to it. Just last night i went to eat at the La Carne restaurant in NYC ( http://www.lacarnegrill.com ) on the wine list they had the Baron Edmond & Benjamin De Rothschild Haut-Medoc 2005 but only by the btl, since i was the only wine drinker there i didnt get it, .... i should have !anyway my curiousity is growing here,thanks againCiaoMenach

Of the wines in question, each recently released, I have not yet done any tastings. I have, however communicated with Royal Wine in the USA, and they inform me that the wines now released under their jurisdiction include:

A friend is now in the process of obtaining the above wines for me and they should be on hand within a week or so. I'll give them a bit of time to rest and will then post. I am trying to track down the Giscours 2004 and 2005 as well as the Malmaison but so far with no luck. I am following up on this.

I am also eagerly awaiting the TN for Chateau Piada 2006, as my supplier in London has now informed me that he cannot obtain any more of the 2001. I am also curious as to how the two years compared for Sauternes in general.

On the subject of kosher dessert wines: Daniel, do you know if there was ever a successful kosher production of Chateau de la Guimonerre or Chateau de Fesles (I believe they were both produced by the same winery) other than 1997?

Considering the very recent arrival of these wines, I have tasted several already and the others should be tasted no later than Thursday. I will post then. Sorry for delays but in fairness to the wines, one has to give them a chance to recover from their journeys.

Sometimes you guys grab me just at the right time. Today's tastings were devoted largely to kosher Bordeaux releases, those matched during my session by parallel releases from the same wineries as well as a host of other Bordeaux releases from the same vintage years. An interesting tasting and some very good wines indeed.

Barons Edmond and Benjamin de Rothschild, Haut Medoc, 2005: When tasting this wine blind, I was ready to take an oath that it was the 2001 wine that I was sampling, so similar are the two. As was that earlier release, medium- to full-bodied, with chunky tannins that give the wine a Provencal note but opening nicely to reveal black fruits on a background of minerals and white pepper. Drink now-2012. Score 88. K (Tasted 3 Aug 2008)

Chateau Leoville Poyferre, St. Julien, 2004 (Kosher Edition): Full-bodied, with firm tannins starting to integrate with hints and vanilla from the oak in which it aged. Opens to show traditional currant and blackberry fruits, those on lightly spicy background. Needs some time. Best from 2010. Score 89. K (Tasted 1 Sep 2008)

Chateau Leoville Poyferre, St. Julien, 2005 (Kosher Edition): Perhaps the best kosher edition ever from Leoville Poyferre. Deep garnet towards royal purple in color, full-bodied, with gently caressing tannins and just the right hint of spicy and vanilla rich oak. On first attack blackcurrants and blackberries, those followed by hints of blueberries and, on the long finish notes of lightly minted chocolate. Approachable and enjoyable now but best from 2010. Score 92. K (Tasted 1 Sep 2008)

Chateau Pontet Canet, Pauillac, 2005 (Kosher Edition): Whomever is "doing it" at Pontet Canet is doing it very well indeed and this kosher edition, although not the regular edition (that scores a generous 95 points) is just fine on its own. Dark, almost impenetrable garnet in color, full-bodied, with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins. On first attack currants and mint, those opening to reveal blackberry, licorice and mineral notes and, on the super-long finish the tannins and fruits rising a generous note of espresso coffee. Approachable by 2009 but best starting only in 2011 and then cellariung comfortably until 2025. Score 93. K (Tasted 1 Sep 2008)

Chateau Labegorce, Margaux, 2004 (Kosher Edition): Think of this as the younger brother of the non-kosher edition if you will – younger, ready to drink earlier but reflecting much the same personality. Medium- to full-bodied, with firm tannins only now starting to recede and opening in the glass to reveal blackberry, raspberry, black cherry and white chocolate all leading to an appealing After-8 minty note. A generous wine, but not one for long term cellaring. Drink now-2012. Score 89. K (Re-tasted 3 Aug 2008)

Chateau Giscours, Margaux, 2005 (Kosher Edition): Well done indeed and very close to the standard (i.e. non-kosher) edition. Garnet towards royal purple with orange reflections, full-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely. Opens on the palate to show red and black berries, cherries and notes of citrus peel. Long, mouth-filling and generous. Best from 2011. Score 90. K (Tasted 1 Sep 2008)

Chateau Piada, Sauternes, 2006 (Kosher Edition): Not the superb 2001 but a wine that stands quite comfortably on its own. Medium- to full-bodied, with light botrytis influence, generously sweet and with good balancing acidity. Opens to reveal citrus peel and butterscotch, those yielding to show notes of summer fruit-flavored marzipan. Approachable now but best from 2011. Score 90. K (Tasted 6 Aug 2008)

Chateau Malmaison, Barone Nadine de Rothschild, Moulis, 2005 (Kosher Edition): Deep, almost impenetrable garnet in color, full-bodied, with smooth tannins and opening in the glass to reveal currant, wild berry and citrus peel notes all leading to a long chocolate-rich finish. Very close in style and personality to the non-kosher edition but approachable somewhat earlier. Best 2010-2020. Score 91.K

Following, three sets of tasting notes, the non-kosher and kosher editions of the wines in question. As to prices, check Wine Searcher at http://www.wine-searcher.com/index.lml as that will give you some rough ideas.

BestRogov

Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, 2005: Deeloping beautifully and every bit as superb as at barrel tastings. Dark almost impenetrable purple towards black in color, and with still firm tannins integrating nicely but needing time. At this stage showing great concentration, structure and balance. Given tie, however, this is going to prove truly elegant. A gnerous array here of blackcurrant, blackberry, spicy cedar wood, licorice and, on the long finish a note of what at one moment seems to be vanilla, at another chocolate. Approachable by 2012 but best from 2015 and then well into mid-century. Score 96. (2005 Bordeaux Tastings, Mar-Apr 2008)

Chateau Pontet Canet, Pauillac, 2005 (Kosher Edition): Whomever is "doing it" at Pontet Canet is doing it very well indeed and this kosher edition, although not the regular edition (that scores a generous 95 points) is just fine on its own. Dark, almost impenetrable garnet in color, full-bodied, with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins. On first attack currants and mint, those opening to reveal blackberry, licorice and mineral notes and, on the super-long finish the tannins and fruits rising a generous note of espresso coffee. Approachable by 2009 but best starting only in 2011 and then cellariung comfortably until 2025. Score 93. K (Tasted 1 Sep 2008)

Chateau Malmaison, Moulis, 2005: Full-bodied, complex and concentrated but with remarkably soft tannins. Deep royal purple. On the nose and palate look for blackberries, blackcurrants and spices, all leading to a long tantalizingly mineral-rich finish. The star of Moulis for the 2005 vintage. Best 2012-2025. Score 93. (2005 Bordeaux Tastings, Mar-Apr 2008)

Chateau Malmaison, Barone Nadine de Rothschild, Moulis, 2005 (Kosher Edition): Deep, almost impenetrable garnet in color, full-bodied, with smooth tannins and opening in the glass to reveal currant, wild berry and citrus peel notes all leading to a long chocolate-rich finish. Very close in style and personality to the non-kosher edition but approachable somewhat earlier. Best 2010-2020. Score 91.K

Following is my most recent (and alas, not all that postive) tasting note for the wine in question. The kosher editions of Fourcas-Dupre are, as is said in Arabic, yom assal, yom bassal - that is to say, one day honey, one day onion, varying enormously from vintage to vintage.

A good many of these are indeed imported into Israel and those by a variety of importers. Best places to check on availability and on price will be Wine Route, Wine and More, and Mendel in Tel Aviv. In all cases, a bit of comparison shopping is definitely in order as many of these can be obtained for far less in New York or London.